Five Ways to Boost Your Confidence After Childbirth

postpartum depression

Childbirth can result in many mental and physical changes for mothers, including postpartum depression and decreased confidence. A CDC survey shows that about 1 in 8 women in the United States experience postpartum depression. Another study revealed that women experienced lower self-esteem during pregnancy. After birth, their self-confidence increased for six months and then gradually declined until the child turned three.

Not all moms experience this self-esteem problem after childbirth. But if you do, this guide will show you how to boost your confidence after delivery.

1. Give yourself some Credit

Young mother, sitting in bed with her baby boyMoms often focus on areas they think they’re slacking in, forgetting they’ve made commendable progress in their postpartum journey. Let go of the ‘mom guilt’ and tell yourself you’re doing great. Avoid setting unattainable standards for yourself in your fitness goal or daily tasks.

Instead, take it one step at a time and applaud yourself for each milestone you attain. When you do this, you’ll find you’re more self-confident, calmer, and happier. Also, it’ll be much easier for you to get things done.

2. Take some Time off

Find a calm environment to be alone, doing what you enjoy. Mothers who take time off once in a while are usually more productive and creative. You can meditate, read a book, listen to music, or have a bubble bath, whatever makes you feel relaxed. Take advantage of the 20 or 30 minutes when your little one naps during the day.

Unwinding will help you to destress and positively impact your emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. Also, it will help alleviate anxiety and boost your self-confidence. Your kids will also benefit from it because being around stressed-out adults all the time might make them grow up stressed and uneasy.

3. Eat Healthy Meals

Healthy MealPoor diet is associated with postpartum depression. To prevent postpartum depression and boost your confidence, ensure your meals contain all the nutrients your body needs. After childbirth, some essential nutrients you need are vitamin B6, vitamin B3, and trace minerals like potassium, zinc, iron, and selenium. Others are folate and fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-3.

So, incorporate nutrient-rich foods like kidney beans, asparagus, lentils, spinach, cottage cheese, tofu, oats, chicken, eggs, and walnut oil into your diet. Also, ensure you take fruits and drink enough water.

4. Exercise

Working out after childbirth can boost your self-confidence and help enhance your mental and physical wellbeing. Exercise increases your energy level, enhances your cardiovascular strength, tones your muscles, and promotes weight loss. All these can help improve your mood and prevent postpartum depression and stress.

After childbirth, it’s best to start with a gentle exercise like walking. Generally, six weeks after giving birth, your body should have recovered enough for a workout. However, if you had complications during birth or had a cesarean section, it may take longer. Consult your doctor before starting a postpartum exercise program.

5. Don’t Cave into Pressure

New Mother Suffering With Depression

Usually, after a woman gives birth, people around her have one advice or the other to offer based on their own experiences. Although they have good intentions, their advice may not be suitable for you. For example, friends might blame your baby’s restlessness on their diet and tell you to introduce them to new foods.

They may even pressure you to engage in certain activities they claim were beneficial to them. However, your postpartum journey isn’t the same as theirs’. So, ask your doctor about any advice you get before following it.

6. Opt for a Mommy Makeover

Mommy makeovers are a series of treatments and surgical procedures that help women address the postpartum changes in their bodies. Exercise and diet do not always restore the body to its pre-birth state. Some changes like stretch marks, saggy skin, and floppy breasts may remain permanent. In such cases, plastic surgeries can help you feel more confident.

Mommy makeovers may include breast augmentation, nipple reshaping, tummy tuck,  liposuction, body contouring, or labiaplasty. This treatment restores the labia to its pre-birth state. Generally, doctors recommend that you fully recover after delivery before undergoing surgery. Also, if you’re interested in breast surgery, wait until you wean your baby, and your breasts reach a stable shape and size. Great post operative care will ensure that you heal quickly and safely after any elective or necessary post-childbirth surgeries.

7. Create Time to Bond with your Spouse

Happy family with newborn baby

 

After giving birth, the little one takes center stage, and everyone’s life revolves around them. This is natural because babies require extra care. But you can still create time to bond with your spouse. You can both take a stroll with the baby or spend some time cuddling before bed, whatever works for you. Bonding with your spouse will bring back great memories and help you find yourself again.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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